Helen Cutler

Helen Cutler (nee Kutko) entered eternal life on February 5, 2025. She was born on January 8, 1925 in Manhattan, the oldest child of the late Andrew and Vilma Kutko. Helen was raised in Charleston, Staten Island, formerly Kreischerville, where she attended P.S. 4.

In 1943, Helen graduated from McKee Vocational High School on Staten Island where she achieved a place on the permanent honor roll. She excelled in dressmaking and sewing. In later years, she learned the art of Hungarian embroidery and created dozens of colorful pieces. She was invited to exhibit her work at the American Hungarian Foundation in New Brunswick, NJ and Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island. She was well known for both her needlework and crocheting skills. 

After graduation, Helen was employed by Maidenform in Perth Amboy, NJ until 1949 when her first child, Wayne, was born. Once her children were in school, she worked at Ernie’s Grocery Store in Tottenville for several years. After caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s at home for 10 years, Helen provided support as a companion caregiver for many families. 

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Frederick, her son, Wayne, her brothers, John and Andrew, and her sister, Olga Iverson. Helen and Fred were married in 1947 in the Free Magyar Reformed Church, Charleston. They lived in Tottenville where they raised four children. She is survived by her daughters Linda Hauck (Gregory) and Nancy Long (Thomas) and a son, Kenneth (Linda); eight grandchildren, Jamie, Casey, Andrew, Sarah, Brian, Gregory, William, Dylan; and seven great-grandchildren, Raegan, Lincoln, Bonnie, Madeline, Timothy, James, and Juliana. 

Helen was baptized, confirmed and married in the Free Magyar Reformed Church, Charleston. She was a woman of deep faith, and was involved in many church activities throughout her life including the Young People’s Club, choir, Women’s Guild, Treasurer of the Board of Elders, kolbasz (sausage) making, picnics, Chinese Auctions, bazaars, Christmas parties and more. Helen was very proud of her Hungarian heritage, and was instrumental in organizing Heritage Day at the church. She enjoyed preparing traditional meals and desserts for church events, her family, and friends.

Helen celebrated her 100th birthday with her family on January 8, 2025. Her story is a life of one well-lived. She instilled in her children the importance of faith, family and friendship, urging all to live each day to its fullest, always remembering to accept the good and the bad, and, most importantly, to live life “one day at a time.”

Helen was always loving, kind, compassionate, and caring to everyone. An act of kindness would be an honorable tribute to her memory.

 A memorial service for Helen Cutler will be announced at a later date.